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Giving Satan Advantage

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: 2 Corinthians 2:11

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This morning I would like to once again talk about the devil.  From time to time, we mention him in our studies and even devote lesson of warning about him.  This is crucial because of his efforts and impact in this world and our lives.  1 John 5:19 tells us the world lies under his sway (influence).

My approach this morning is based upon 2 Corinthians 2:11, a familiar passage.  In context Paul is writing a second (or third – cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9) letter to commend the brethren at Corinth for following his instructions (likely about) to discipline a man living in sin.  The people had repented and followed his instructions.  In fact their efforts were so complete, that Paul needed to give further instructions to forgive, reassure their love to him and restore him to their fellowship.  He then notes the he too forgave in the presence of Christ, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”   The word for advantage can mean to exploit or even defraud (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:2 – cheated, 12:17-18 – take advantage, 1 Thessalonians 4:6 – defraud).  Satan wants to rob us.  This morning I want to focus on some of the devices Satan might use to gain advantage over us to draw us away from God in defeat.

1. He appeals to our ignorance
   1. Our text notes that we are not ignorant of his devices. Implied in this is the possibility of being ignorant (lacking needed knowledge) of how he works.
   2. One of the biggest dangers we might face is to underestimate the power of Satan. As noted in 1 John 5:19 – the world lies under his sway (influence, power).
   3. We are not exempt. 2 Corinthians 11:3 – Paul feared lest they be deceived by his craftiness.
   4. Hosea 4:6, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
   5. To overcome ignorance, we need to learn as much as we can about him and how he works. We do this by studying the passages, warnings and examples about him in scripture.  Times have changed over the millennia, but how Satan works has not changed.
2. Because of indifference
   1. Do we care enough to take action? The Corinthians needed to take further action and do the right thing.  They are to be commended because they DID care about pleasing God enough to follow Paul’s instructions.
   2. Matthew 13:15 – the hearts of this people have grown dull (Isaiah 6:9-10)
   3. When we see sin, whether in our lives or in His church, do we care enough to act?
   4. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord. WE cannot be complacent and grow as we ought to.
3. Through flawed reasoning
   1. In Paul’s first letter he contrasted the wisdom of man with the wisdom of God.  In fact it was Paul’s first and most extensive point of concern and at the heart of the various problems he goes on to address.  He noted that it is foolishness to God (1 Corinthians 3:19).
   2. 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of those whose minds the god of this age has blinded. Romans 1:22 notes that as men claimed to be wise, they became fools and changed God’s will concerning man.
   3. Satan attacks the mind of man – he seeks to create doubts and to think differently than God.
   4. He blurs the lines between truth and falsehood – cf. 2 Corinthians 11:14 – he transforms himself into an angel of light, as do his followers.
   5. If Satan can convince us to set aside God’s wisdom for our own, he WILL take advantage of us. That is what he did with Eve.
   6. That is why our goal is not only to bring our actions into line with God’s will, but also our thoughts and our mind – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
4. Because we become overconfident
   1. Sometimes we think we are stronger than we really are. We think we can handle a situation we put ourselves in, only to find out that we were not as strong or prepared as we thought we were.  Satan will exploit your weaknesses.
   2. Matthew 26:33-35 – the ultimate example of this is Peter telling Jesus he would never deny Him. But he did, just as Jesus had warned.
   3. 1 Corinthians 10:12 – let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. This is not to say we do nothing, but it does mean we proceed with caution and humility.
   4. Proverbs 14:16, A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.
   5. Consider Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27 – he disciplined his body and brought it into subjection lest he himself be disqualified.
5. Through carelessness
   1. The idea of carelessness is that we are not thinking when we act. It is often a product of overconfidence or indifference (previous points).  And it can lead to spiritual decline and moral failure.
   2. 1 Peter 5:8 – the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking to devour. He looks for our weaknesses to exploit them.
   3. One of the tools Satan will use is distraction – drawing our attention away from what is most important. g., Mary and Martha – Luke 10:40-42.
   4. Hebrews 2:1-3 – give the more earnest heed lest we drift away.
   5. Ephesians 5:17, Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Some versions use the word “foolish” in place of unwise.  The word means to fail to employe one’s understanding, especially in practical matters.  (L&N, 32.52)  In other words, it describes one who fails to think.  The word is usually translated as fool or foolish (Luke 11:40, 2 Cor. 12:6, 1 Peter 2:15, etc.)
6. When we get too close to “the line”
   1. Sometimes people want to know exactly how far they can go and still be acceptable to God. And while there certainly is a line between good & evil, right & wrong, sin & righteousness – our goal ought to be to NOT search for that line.  The farther away from it we can stay, the better.
   2. g., 2 Timothy 2:22 where Timothy is told to flee youthful lusts. Like Joseph did when accosted by Potiphar’s wife, we ought to run away from the line of sin.
   3. James 4:7 – We are told to resist the devil. This isn’t about just saying “no”.  This is about resisting him – openly opposing him.
   4. Ephesians 6:10-13 – in this battle we are called upon to put on the whole armor of God. Any piece we leave off leaves us vulnerable.
   5. NOTE: When a gospel preacher preaches, if he cares about you he will not be preaching “the line” per se, but the ideal standard that keeps you far away from it.
7. By making excuses
   1. Excuses often dismiss reality and true acceptance. Instead, we seek to justify or lessen the seriousness/accountability of our decisions and actions.  Therefore, we are not ready to make necessary changes, at least fully.
   2. Understand that Satan loves excuses. Both Adam and Eve made excuses after they rebelled against God in the garden (Genesis 3:10-13).
   3. Luke 14:16-20 – tells of those who made excuses when invited to a feast. Because of their excuses, which actually meant they DID NOT CARE enough about the invitation, they would NOT taste of the man’s offerings.  In the parable, God (or Jesus) is the inviter, and those who made excuses were men who were not interested in fully following Him.  Jesus is describing judgment.
   4. We also have many examples of excuse making in scripture. 1) They never worked before God.  2) They usually led to more troubles.
8. When we refuse to forgive
   1. When forgiveness is absent, all sorts of ungodly attitudes may prevail – bitterness, rage, anger, hateful conduct, murder in the heart (or worse), and numerous other emotional and physical consequences.
   2. Satan LOVES it when we refuse to forgive. A goal he has, especially among brethren is to drive a wedge between us – to divide us.  James 3:14-16 describes worldly wisdom stemming from such attitudes (Note: We will address this text next month in our study of James).
   3. Hebrews 12:14-15, Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
   4. Ephesians 4:26-27 – Be angry and do not sin … nor give place to the devil.
   5. Just remember the warnings if we refuse to forgive – Matthew 6:14-15, 18:35, James 2:13, etc.
9. When we refuse to repent
   1. When we sin, repentance is a part of our forgiveness. As Christians we need to repent and confess our sins (Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9).
   2. Repentance means that we resolve to change. We genuinely change our minds (the meaning of the word) about our behavior.  We resolve to quit doing wrong and to start doing what we have neglected to do.  2 Corinthians 7:9-10 describes genuine repentance.
   3. Often, Christians caught in sin engage in faux repentance. They say they are sorry and ask God for forgiveness, but their will to quit sinning is weak.  They are not genuinely convicted.
   4. Satan will exploit that every way that he can by 1) Causing you to undervalue your worth (e.g., you are consumed with guilt), 2) tempt you to delay change for a little longer (e.g., just one more time), 3) encourage you to seek to justify your conduct (with excuses) and 4) keep pounding away and exploiting your vulnerabilities.  He knows your weaknesses.
10. How can we avoid Satan taking advantage of us?
    1. Be sober and vigilant – this is the first thing you must do. Beware of his devices (see point 1).
    2. Understand that you do NOT have to let him rule over you – 1 Corinthians 10:13.
    3. Declare war on him in your life – put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18, 1 Timothy 6:12). Cut him off in whatever way you can.
    4. Remember that Jesus is more powerful and has already defeated him (1 John 4:4).
    5. Keep growing spiritually (2 Peter 3:18) – study His word, keep praying, attend worship services, associate with the godly, etc.

 

It is my hope that we are reminded that the devil is powerful, evil and very effective in his work.  He has his forces working all around us.  But as Christians, we must take steps to avoid his snares (cf. 2 Timothy 2:26) and make up our minds who we are going to serve.  Is there some way that we can help you?  Think about it!